after sitting in a booth for 5minutes,I was ready to leave .An unfriendly server finally took order.The cheeseburger was either cooked a hour before or microwaved on high .burnt,dried out ,no flavor, The fries were greasy,limp and obviously very old. Server never returned, kept looking for her. Ate three awful bites, waited to no avail. Finally , she dropped check and said go pay at Pharmacy. I informed three people the food was terrible. The manager looked at me and said nothing. I paid the bill just to get out of there. These people should try a burger at the counter, Rubys or even Carls Junior . Bad food, poor service and the burger was $8.00!!!!!!!Advertised as huge 1/2 poung burger. Not even close. Or maybe it was 1/2 pound before they murdered and nuked it. Oh, yeah it was 2pm,so I guess I got the left over food.
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Go back in time. Sit at the soda fountain and enjoy a chocolate malt or a banana split, even a soda. Or, sit at a table. They even have the old time padded booths.
The juke box plays rock'n roll.
Scenes from the film "That Thing You Do", directed by Tom Hanks, were filmed right in this restaurant. The adjacent downtown area of Orange was also used extensively in the filming of this movie.
So, sit back. Enjoy the old time abeyance. Have a hamburger, fries and a cherry coke.
Pros: GREAT MALTS
Cons: NONE
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I walked in and stood around for 5 minutes while the watiesses ignored us. I ordered a "full ribrack" of ribs for only $15. I got 6 ribs! I asked the waitress is this a full ribrack? she went to the chef and she came back and said that's what they call a full ribrack! Checking on the web: 16 ribs to a full ribrack, 8 ribs to a half ribrack. So I didn't get a half ribrack!
Pros: Interesting Location
Cons: Bad food, Bad service
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Atmosphere rules at Watson's. Walk inside and you're stepping back in time when lunch counters and ice cream soda fountains were a staple at the local pharmacy. The food is comfort food and the quality is average. Breakfast tends to be better when they still serve old fashion waffles, which are great and I'm thankful they haven't swapped them for the pathetic Belgian variety. The burgers tend to be greasy, but expected. Some of the nightly dinner specials are pretty good and a few are all-you-can-eat. However, the real highlight of Watson's is the ice cream soda fountain. Exceptional shakes and malts are still generously served in a metal shaker can. Banana splits, sundaes and delicious pies with ice cream. Watson's is an absolute great place for desert or an afternoon treat.
Pros: Great Desserts, Shakes, Fantastic Atmosphere
Cons: Busy At Times
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The food is great, it's comfort food to the hilt. The milkshakes are to die for and best shared. It's like walking into the past where there's a casual vibe, great people who are serving up great eats.
Pros: Everything...get a prescription...get a great meal
Cons: sometimes it's crowded
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Menu for Watson Soda Fountain & Lunch

Editorial

In ShortWatson's has been serving up authentic all-American fare for more than a century. Established in 1899, this classic diner is a local favorite and has become a must-eat O.C. landmark. Chomp on a burger while listening to '50s jukebox jams. Or sidle up to the soda fountain and order a malt, float or banana split. Kids love the kitsch, the basic menu and the old-fashioned treats.

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